THE GOLDEN LOTUS 167

Hsi-mSn Ch'ing often slept beside the coffin. Every morn-
ing. Flute of Jade came and took away the bed-clothes and
Hsi-m6n Ch'ing went to the inner court to dress. Then Shu
T'ung, his hair undressed, would come to play and joke with
the maid, and Flute of Jade would dally there a long time. But
to-day, Hsi-men Ch'ing did not sleep there but in the Moon
Lady's room. Flute of Jade got up before the others and
slipped out quietly. She went with Shu T'ung to the study
in the garden and there they had a merry time together.

Golden Lotus also got up early that day. She went to the
hall and saw that the light before the coffin had gone out.
The tables and chairs were in disorder. Nobody was to be
seen but Hua T'ung, who was busy sweeping.

"What are you doing here alone?" Golden Lotus said to
him. "Where are the others?"

"They are not up yet," Hua T'ung told her.
"Put down your broom," Golden Lotus said, "and go and
ask Brother-in-law for a roll of white silk. I want it for my
mother. I want a girdle for her too. She is probably going
away to-day."

"I think Brother-in-law is still in bed, but I will go and see,"
Hua T'ung said.

When he came back he said: "Brother-in-law says it isn't
his business. Shu T'ung and Ts'ui PŁn are responsible for the
mourning. You must ask Shu T'ung."

"How do I know where he is?" Golden Lotus said. "Go
and look for him."

Hua T'ung looked into the room beside the hall and said:
"He was in here a few moments ago. Perhaps he has gone to
the garden to dress his hair."

"Go on with your work and I'll go and look for him myself,**
Golden Lotus said. She went to the garden. When she came
to the study she heard the sound of somebody laughing. She
pushed the door open, Shu T'ung and Flute of Jade were
enjoying a full measure of delight.

"Ah, you slaves!" Golden Lotus said, "excellent work
you're doing there!"

Shu T'ung and Flute of Jade were scared. They plumped
down on their knees and begged to be forgiven.

"You slave/' Golden Lotus said to Shu T'ung, "go and